There's a story in the Des Moines Register today on Jake Fox's hot start. His hitting streak ended tonight. Thanks for cursing it, DMR.
In case you were wondering, the Ozzy Osbourne "Worlds of Warcraft" commercial is about the scariest thing a one year-old girl has ever seen.
If you were at the game tonight and missed it, Bob Brenly plugged the "Border Battle" game on Friday between the Peoria Chiefs and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Miller Park, urging fans to go. I think enough of you are planning to go that I'll post a special story Friday morning so that you can give us your thoughts before and after the game.
Also, Bob announced he was playing hooky from the game in St. Louis to go to Miller Park that night. So say hi to Bob if you go.
Iowa Cubs
The Iowa Cubs were nuked by the Albuquerque Isotopes, 7-0.
Starter Esmailin Caridad had a rough outing. By the time Caridad left the game after throwing 4.2 innings, he had given up six runs on seven hits and five walks. He struck out four.
The Isotopes pitching staff of Eric Milton, Jeff Weaver and Tanyon Sturze held the I-Cubs to three singles and a walk.
Tennessee Smokies
The Smokies polished off the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx, 8-7.
Starter James Russell continues to struggle in AA. Tonight he lasted only 4.1 innings. In that time he managed to allow six runs on ten hits, two of which were home runs. Russell walked one and struck out three.
Jayson Ruhlman got the win in relief. Ruhlman didn't allow a run over 1.1 innings. He did allow one hit, walked a batter and struck out one. Brian Schlitter was impressive in recording his second save of the year. Schlitter was perfect over 1.2 innings. He struck out three of the five DJ batters he faced.
Catcher Steve Clevenger was the hitting hero tonight for the Smokies. Clevenger had a home run and a triple in a 2 for 3 night. Clevenger also walked once, had the one RBI and scored three times.
First baseman Blake Lalli was 2 for 3 with a walk and an run scored. Lalli is off to a .519 start on the season.
Daytona Cubs
The Daytona Cubs decimated the Dunedin Blue Jays, 12-0.
Starter Ryan Searle was dominating tonight, allowing only one hit over six innings. He didn't walk a batter and struck out two.
Henry Williamson, Alberto Alburquerque and Luke Sommer each tossed a scoreless inning of relief.
The D-Cubs banged out 16 hits tonight, so forgive me if I miss someone who did well tonight. Right fielder Dylan Johnston had his second home run of the season. Johnston was 2 for 4 with a walk and two RBI. Marquez Smith continued his hot streak, and he didn't even start the game. Smith hit his fourth home run in six games when he pinch-hit in the sixth inning. It was a three-run shot. Smith stayed in the game and was 1 for 2 overall.
DH Tyler Colvin kept on getting on base with a 2 for 3 night that included two walks. Colvin scored twice and knocked one in. Shortstop Starlin Castro may have snapped out of his slump with a 2 for 5 evening. Castro scored once.
Second baseman Nate Samson was 2 for 5 with a triple, two runs scored and two RBI. First baseman Russ Canzler also went 2 for 5. Canzler had a double, scored once and had one RBI. Left fielder Jonathan Wyatt was the last 2 for 5 guy. Wyatt scored twice.
Peoria Chiefs
Were rained out again tonight. I can promise you they won't be rained out at Miller Park.